Ho Chi Minh City
Chapter 01 —
Nga Pham is a young artist originally from Ha Noi. She rides her motorbike every day around Ha Noi’s busy and charming streets, and finds inspiration in the capital’s blend of old and new experiences. Here Nga tells us where to go to see the artsy side of Ha Noi, and how to find the best views and secret spots around town, just like a local.
What are your favourite ‘secret' spots in Ha Noi?
I have several favourite ‘secret’ spots. One is inside the office building at 5 Dien Bien Phu St. Travellers, especially those who are looking for a place to do some work, can use the elevator and go up to the 9th floor, where there’s a friendly coworking space. From there, check out the fire escape staircase to see a splendid view below!
When is the best month or time to visit Ha Noi and why?
Autumn is the most beautiful time of year to many people living in Ha Noi. Autumn starts around late September and lasts until the end of November. During this season, the weather is cool, dry, and breezy. Travellers can chill around picturesque lakes, enjoy street food, or ramble through restless night markets without breaking a sweat.
What are the people like in Ha Noi?
People living here love going to coffee shops and pagodas. They usually spend a lot of time catching up with friends, working, reading books, or taking pictures at coffee shops. Besides coffee shops, pagoda are another hot spot in Ha Noi, especially during special occasions. People go to pagodas to pray for good health and good fortune for their families and themselves.
What makes the capital different from other places in Vietnam?
I think Ha Noi’s architecture is very interesting. Ha Noi has a lot of buildings and public gardens that were built during French colonisation of Vietnam. These old buildings and public spaces give an ancient and graceful feeling. At the same time, Ha Noi has a growing number of state-of-the-art constructions, which are sleek and shiny. When I ride around, it feels like I am living in two concurrent worlds.
If you had to describe Ha Noi in three adjectives, what would they be and why?
Ha Noi is beautiful, diverse, and hustling. These are fundamental traits of Ha Noi which travellers can easily notice after a short time visiting this city.
My Ha Noi from Vietnam Tourism Board on Vimeo.
What is a lesser-known dish that you wish more people knew about?
Definitely steamed rice rolls or bánh cuốn. Such a delicious dish for a small amount of money.
Where do you recommend travellers go to experience nature here?
There is this place that I go to very often which is Ha Noi Botanical Garden. The garden was built over 100 years ago and it’s home to many beautiful and scarce plants.
If travellers want to learn more about Ha Noi’s history, where should they go?
There are a lot of places travellers can go to explore Ha Noi’s history, such as the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. If you’re interested in exploring the spiritual life of Ha Noi’s residents from the old times until now, I recommend Tran Quoc Pagoda, Huong Pagoda or Quan Thanh Temple.
Where is your favourite coffee shop and what do you like about it?
There are so many coffee shops in Ha Noi that I am in love with. Normally I go to the ones overlooking West Lake such as Cup of Tea, Le Chat Cafe, and Voila Cafe. If travellers want to go somewhere that has a nice view and good coffee, I recommend Hanoi Roastery at 149 Nguyen Dinh Thi St.
Where do you take family or friends when they come to Ha Noi?
If my friends are into art, then the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum is a must! Several local galleries located in Ha Noi’s Old Quarter are also ideal destinations for my artsy friends.
Where should travellers go to see the best views of Ha Noi?
Ha Noi has many beautiful rooftop bars. One of the most popular ones is Top of Ha Noi, perched at the rooftop of Lotte Hotel Hanoi on the 65th floor. From here, it’s easy to spot beautifully lit bridges over the meandering Hong River, surrounded by buildings of all kinds and small lakes that scatter here and there.